Is a Vegan Diet Healthier than a Mediterranean Diet?

by Neal Barnard, MD, FACC | January 8, 2019

Earlier this week, U.S. News & World Report placed the Mediterranean diet at the top of its list of 40 best diets for 2019. But when it comes to health, the science shows that there’s something even better: a plant-based, or vegan diet.

We've all heard that the Mediterranean diet can boost longevity. But why is that? Mediterranean diets are typically rich in vegetables and fruit, low in meat, and relatively low in fat. This is a healthy approach – to the extent that it emphasizes these plant-based foods.

One study in the British Medical Journal showed that certain components of the diet, especially high vegetable consumption and low meat consumption, were more strongly linked to longevity than other components, such as fish consumption. High fruit, nut and legume consumption also contributed to longevity.

To learn more about the benefits of a vegan diet over a Mediterranean diet, check out my presentation below. This is from last summer’s International Conference on Nutrition in Medicine in Washington, D.C.

The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition.